NEW TO YOGA FAQ’S

New to Yoga?

We hope this Frequently Asked Questions will help you to make the right decisions!

Do you have parking space?

We have ample on street parking all around the studio for free. We also have dedicated parking for bicycles.

I have never done yoga before. What should I begin with?

Beginners’ courses and classes! Even if you consider yourself athletic and sporty we would still recommend that you attend a couple of beginners classes first. These will give you a better sense of what yoga is about, what some of the most common postures are and how to practice safely. Our beginners courses run regularly, click here for the next course dates and ‘drop-in’ classes are on every weekday at 6pm. If none of these fit your schedule, don’t worry, there are plenty of other classes that are accessible for beginners. You can view our full timetable with class descriptions of what to expect here. Or otherwise either drop us a line on namaste@edinburghsunshineyoga.com or come by for a chat.

What if I’m not very flexible?

Be present and work with the body you have today. It does not matter how far or deep you can go in a posture, you will benefit simply from trying your best, not pushing too hard and embracing the new feelings in your body. As long as you can breathe you can do yoga. And if you’d like to become more flexible, do come and do some yoga, mindfully, and one day you may surprise yourself!

“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is what you learn on the way down.”

Should I eat or drink before I come to class?

It is recommended to refrain from eating for 2 hours before a class, but it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water right up until the start. For the early morning Sunrise classes, you might wish to have some fruit or a non-dairy smoothie if you’d prefer not to exercise on an empty stomach.

What do I wear?

It’s important to be comfortable and have freedom of movement for all yoga classes. Shorts or leggings with comfortable sports tops is what most people like to wear. Yoga is done barefoot (unless it’s a super cosy class like Yin Yoga) so there is no need to worry about shoes either.

What is a course, and what is a class, and then there are workshops …? I’m confused!

A ‘class’ is a self-contained unit. It enables you to come and join the practice whenever you want. Unlimited passes, 10 class passes or 5 class passes are all available to use for our classes. We have around 45 classes a week.

A course involves progression from week to week and are run in 4/5/6 week blocks. It’s advisable to take all the units of a course in order to get the most out of it. We run regular beginners courses as well as other courses.

A workshop involves a deeper look into one topic and can be self-contained or part of a ‘series’. Workshops can last from a few hours (in which case they are like a longer class) to a few days (in which case they are more like an intensive study course), depending on the topic and the depth at which the topic is studied.

What do I bring?

We provide yoga mats, but you are welcome to bring your own mat. If you practice with a blanket, eye pillow, strap or block, feel free to take those with you, although all is provided at the studio as well.

Is it possible to lose weight practicing Yoga?

As part of a commitment to a mindful, healthy lifestyle, all types of yoga will help improve flexibility, strength and body composition.

I’m new to yoga. What’s the etiquette?

It’s pretty laid back, the main thing is to arrive on time, at least 10 minutes prior to class. Classes start on time and there will be no admission for late comers. Secondly, feel free to take a break at any time during class by sitting or lying quietly on your mat.

“A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new” – Albert Einstein

What if I have an injury or condition that might affect my ability to participate?

While yoga has been proven to benefit conditions ranging from sports injuries to chronic illnesses, please do let your teacher know if you have a condition you might need to work around. Try to tune in to your body and listen to how you feel. This will help you become aware of what your body is telling you. Yoga rewards dedication and hard work, but it is equally important to rest and recover when you need to.